Mar 24 2025

3D Printing Digital Foam

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

SNL Creative, a leading design and additive manufacturing studio specializing in high-end 3D printed products, is proud to announce its official role as a Serial Production Partner in the EOS Digital Foam® Network. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the scalable production of digitally engineered, foam-like parts for high-performance applications.

The Digital Foam Network, developed by EOS, brings together industry leaders across hardware, materials, software, post-processing, and consulting to unlock the full potential of 3D printed lattice structures. The initiative aims to replace traditional foam components with digitally tunable structures for improved performance, comfort, and sustainability across industries like sports, medical, mobility, and consumer products.

As a serial production partner, SNL Creative provides end-to-end manufacturing capabilities including:

High-resolution lattice printing using the EOS P 396 industrial 3D printer
Advanced surface finishing and coloring through DyeMansion’s Powerfuse S and DM60 systems
In-house design, engineering, and assembly services
Expertise in skin-contact safe and USP Class VI-certified materials

“SNL Creative’s strength lies in transforming ideas into best-in-class products, and the Digital Foam Network aligns perfectly with that mission,” said Lindsey Zindroski, CEO and Co-Founder of SNL Creative. “We’re excited to lead the production side of this network and help push the boundaries of what’s possible with additive manufacturing.”

Digital Foam is already making headlines, including SNL Creative’s work on the Wilson Airless Basketball, a lattice-structured, 3D printed sports innovation that went viral in 2023.

To learn more about SNL Creative’s capabilities or inquire about collaboration within the Digital Foam Network, visit www.snlcreative.com.

About SNL Creative
Founded in 2008, SNL Creative is a California-based advanced manufacturing studio known for pushing the limits of full-color 3D printing, lattice design, and additive-driven product development. Serving clients across fashion, medical, sports, and technology sectors, SNL offers complete production services under one roof.

Mar 21 2025

Redefining Modern Manufacturing: Inside SNL Creative

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips, Manufacturing

Redefining Modern Manufacturing: Inside SNL Creative with Lindsey Zindroski

This week on Making Things Fun, Cool, and Sexy, host Christine Holo takes us inside the creative hub of Southern California’s own SNL Creative, sitting down with CEO and co-founder Lindsey Zindroski for an insightful and inspiring conversation.

From 3D-printed basketballs and footwear to camera systems for Avatar: The Way of Water, SNL Creative is more than just a service provider—it’s a design-forward, innovation-driven studio pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing.

From Software to SLS: Lindsey’s Journey into 3D Printing

Lindsey began her career in enterprise software, working globally in technical support and large-scale deployments. But after co-founding SNL Creative with her husband, she found her passion in product development, customization, and digital manufacturing.

What started as a customizable toy platform—where users could build avatars and receive physical versions by mail—evolved into a full-service design and 3D printing company serving industries like fashion, sports, entertainment, and medical devices.

What SNL Creative Does Differently

While many 3D printing companies focus on speed and prototypes, SNL Creative specializes in full production—offering digital design, prototyping, and end-use part manufacturing under one roof.

But what truly sets them apart is their attention to finish, function, and storytelling. SNL doesn’t just deliver parts—they help brands bring visions to life, with beautifully finished, highly functional products made through advanced 3D printing and post-processing techniques.

Highlights from the Lab

Lindsey walked Christine through SNL’s additive playground, which includes:

PolyJet color printing for full-color, photo-realistic models
SLS and elastomeric powders for flexible, high-performance parts
FDM and CFF printers for strong, lightweight structural components
Advanced post-processing for production-grade finish and color

Some standout projects include:

The Wilson Airless Basketball, a 3D-printed, fully functional, and lattice-structured basketball that sold out within hours.
Footwear innovation, where designers leverage lattice structures to create futuristic, functional midsoles and fashion-forward custom shoes.
Avatar camera housings, custom printed for James Cameron’s crew using carbon fiber composites.

Building a Culture That Works

As the California Area Manager for Women in 3D Printing, Lindsey also spoke about the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments in tech and manufacturing. She emphasized the need for fair pay, leadership opportunities, and work-life balance—especially for women navigating traditionally male-dominated fields.

What’s Next for SNL Creative?

With major growth in the past year—including a new facility, expanded technology, and high-profile production launches—SNL Creative is poised for the next wave of digital manufacturing. From sustainability efforts and material innovation to expanding into new industries, Lindsey envisions a future where additive becomes a cornerstone of how products are made, not just prototyped.

“It’s no longer the future—it’s the present,” Lindsey says of 3D printing. And with leaders like her at the helm, the future looks bold, beautiful, and very much in production.

Mar 21 2025

Scaling Creativity with 3D Printing

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

Scaling Creativity with 3D Printing:

What does nearly 30 years in additive manufacturing look like? For Shawn Zindroski, Co-Founder and COO of SNL Creative, it’s a journey of constant innovation, creative passion, and redefining what’s possible in product design and production.

On a recent episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld sat down with Shawn to talk about his path through the evolving world of 3D printing—from his early days as a model maker to becoming a leader in creative, end-to-end additive manufacturing.

From Rapid Prototyping to Product Innovation

Shawn began his career in the late ’90s at one of the first service bureaus spun out of 3D Systems. Starting with stereolithography and rapid prototyping, he quickly developed a hands-on understanding of the full additive workflow—knowledge that would shape his entire career.

After working in the automotive concept studio world and founding a service bureau focused on show car development, he was tapped by electric vehicle startup Faraday Future to build their in-house additive manufacturing department. This gave him deeper exposure to production-scale applications across the entire vehicle.

The Birth of SNL Creative

The idea for SNL Creative was sparked during a moment of family fun—customizing avatars on a Nintendo Wii. Shawn and his wife, a software engineer, saw the potential to combine digital customization with 3D printing, leading to the creation of Carbon Kids: fully customizable figurines. That passion for creativity and digital-to-physical workflows still fuels the company today.

SNL’s early success caught the attention of Disney, who became their first major client. Since then, SNL has evolved into a full-scale product development and additive manufacturing studio serving fashion, medical, automotive, and consumer industries.

Partnering with Wilson on the Airless Basketball

One of SNL’s most talked-about collaborations is with Wilson Sporting Goods on their groundbreaking airless 3D printed basketball. The ball’s unique design and bounce performance generated global buzz—demonstrating that additive can not only perform but also captivate.

SNL helped take the ball from concept to production, managing complex processes like vapor smoothing and deep dye coloring. It was a true team effort, involving close collaboration with partners like EOS and DyeMansion.

Looking Ahead: Materials, Traceability & Smart Products

Shawn sees a bright future for additive—one that includes automation, robotics, sustainable materials, and even parts that do more than just function. SNL is already experimenting with embedded nanotechnology for secure digital fingerprints inside resin-based parts, enabling full traceability and counterfeit prevention.

In addition to high-performance applications, Shawn is passionate about relocalizing manufacturing in the U.S. and helping companies rethink their supply chains through digital tools and scalable production.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a fashion brand looking to create bespoke wearables or a global sports company seeking performance innovation, SNL Creative is leading the way by combining engineering, artistry, and strategy under one roof.

As Shawn puts it: “We’re helping create experiences and connections between products and people. That’s what drives us.”

Want to learn more about how SNL Creative can help bring your ideas to life with additive manufacturing? [Contact us today →]

Mar 11 2025

SNL Creative’s Full Production of Jean Dawson’s “Glimmer of God”

By shawn Zindroski Manufacturing

The Intersection of Art, Music, and Cutting-Edge 3D Printing

In the world of music, fashion, and digital art, artists are breaking boundaries and exploring new ways to express their vision. The collaboration between Jean Dawson, Totem, and SNL Creative for the “Glimmer of God” headpiece is a prime example of how advanced 3D printing, in-house tooling, and expert craftsmanship can bring an artistic concept to life.

At SNL Creative, we specialize in high-end full-color 3D printing, finishing, and packaging, providing end-to-end production solutions for brands and artists. The “Glimmer of God” headpiece is not just a product—it’s a fusion of music, culture, and next-generation manufacturing that was designed, produced, hand-painted, and packaged entirely at our Cypress, CA facility.

The Vision: Jean Dawson’s “Glimmer of God”

Jean Dawson is known for his genre-blending music, avant-garde style, and artistic storytelling. The “Glimmer of God” headpiece, released through Totem, extends this creative vision into the physical world—a bold, sculptural statement piece that reflects identity, transformation, and rebellion.

The intricate design of the headpiece demanded a production process capable of achieving hyper-realistic details, durability, and premium aesthetics. That’s where SNL Creative’s full-service production capabilities came in.

How SNL Creative Brought It to Life

From Digital Concept to Fully Produced Product

Totem and Jean Dawson’s team approached SNL Creative with a vision—a digitally sculpted concept that needed to be manufactured, painted, and packaged at scale while maintaining the highest quality.

Using our in-house tooling department and advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, we executed the entire production process under one roof, ensuring precision, consistency, and authenticity in every piece.

The Production Process at SNL Creative

🔹 High-Resolution 3D Printing – We used our industrial-grade full-color 3D printing systems to produce the intricate details and textures of the headpiece.
🔹 In-House Tooling & Finishing – Our custom tooling department ensured that each piece maintained the desired structural integrity and smooth finishing.
🔹 Hand Painting & Detailing – Every “Glimmer of God” headpiece was individually hand-painted by our expert artists, adding a unique, high-end touch to each unit.
🔹 Custom Packaging – SNL Creative handled the entire packaging process, ensuring that the final product was ready for direct distribution—all made in Cypress, CA.

Why SNL Creative Was the Perfect Production Partner

Traditional manufacturing methods would have required outsourcing, high costs, and long lead times, but our end-to-end production model allowed us to:

✅ Produce with High Precision – Our 3D printing technology captured every sculpted detail exactly as envisioned.
✅ Control the Entire Process – With design, production, finishing, and packaging all handled in-house, we ensured quality control at every step.
✅ Create a Handcrafted, Artistic Finish – Unlike mass-produced items, every headpiece was meticulously painted for a premium, custom look.
✅ Manufacture Locally – By producing everything in Cypress, CA, we eliminated overseas production delays and ensured that every piece met our exacting quality standards.

Redefining the Future of Artistic Manufacturing

The Jean Dawson x Totem collaboration showcases how 3D printing, craftsmanship, and full-scale production capabilities can merge to create high-end, limited-edition collectibles.

At SNL Creative, we’re more than just a 3D printing service—we’re a full production partner, helping artists and brands transform digital concepts into beautifully crafted physical products.

Collaborate with SNL Creative

Looking to create custom high-end collectibles, wearables, or artistic pieces? Whether you’re an artist, fashion designer, musician, or brand, SNL Creative has the expertise to bring your vision to life from concept to final product.

📍 Made in Cypress, CA – Serving brands, artists, and designers globally.

📞 Call us today at (714) 420-8957
💻 Visit our website: SNL Creative

🔗 Contact Us to Start Your Project at Orders@snlcreative.com

Mar 11 2025

On-Demand Production: SNL Creative’s Bambu Lab Print Farm Solves Supply Chain Constraints

By shawn Zindroski Manufacturing

In today’s unpredictable supply-chain environment, many businesses across Orange County, Los Angeles, and Cypress, California are dealing with extended lead times, rising costs, and delays tied to overseas production. Companies that rely on traditional injection molding or offshore suppliers are often hit hardest—facing material shortages, shipping disruptions, and limited flexibility when demand shifts.

At SNL Creative, we help solve these challenges through localized, on-demand manufacturing. Our Bambu Lab–powered print farm is a high-speed, scalable 3D printing production system designed to manufacture critical components locally, in volume, and on demand—removing dependency on fragile global supply chains.

Why Local Companies Are Moving to On-Demand Manufacturing

For manufacturers in Cypress, Anaheim, Irvine, and surrounding Southern California cities, traditional supply chains often mean:

Long lead times for overseas parts
High minimum order quantities
Excess inventory and warehousing costs
Risk from geopolitical uncertainty and shipping delays

By shifting production closer to home, companies regain control over their manufacturing timelines and costs.

With SNL Creative’s local print farm, you can:

Reduce lead times by producing parts in days instead of months
Lower costs by avoiding large MOQs and excess inventory
Increase supply-chain resilience with Southern California–based production
Scale flexibly as demand changes, without tooling delays

This approach is especially effective for teams that need speed, precision, and adaptability.

Industries We Support with Local 3D Manufacturing

Our on-demand manufacturing capabilities are well suited for:

Aerospace and defense
Medical device manufacturing
Automotive and EV startups
Robotics and industrial equipment
Consumer goods and product development

Whether you’re supporting production, solving a supply interruption, or scaling a new product, local additive manufacturing gives you speed without compromise.

How Our Bambu Lab Print Farm Works

SNL Creative’s print farm is engineered for rapid, repeatable, production-ready output. Through automation, material consistency, and quality control, we support a wide range of manufacturing needs, including:

Functional end-use parts built for real-world performance
Replacement and spare components to eliminate downtime
Low-volume and short-run production without tooling investment
Bridge manufacturing to support production while tooling is finalized

As an ISO 9001–certified manufacturer, we ensure every part meets defined quality and performance requirements—making this solution ideal for industries where reliability matters.

Why Choose SNL Creative for Local Manufacturing

Based in Cypress, CA, SNL Creative works closely with Southern California manufacturers to deliver fast, flexible production solutions. Our team offers:

On-demand manufacturing with rapid turnaround
Local collaboration with direct access to engineers and production teams
Scalable output—from small runs to thousands of parts
A wide range of industrial-grade materials and finishing options

This isn’t just prototyping—it’s production-ready additive manufacturing built for modern supply chains.

Get Started: Rethink How You Manufacture

If your company is dealing with supply-chain delays, high tooling costs, or overseas production challenges, it may be time to rethink your manufacturing strategy.

With SNL Creative’s local 3D print farm, you can shorten lead times, reduce risk, and scale production on your terms.

Reach out to discuss your application or request a quote today.
📞 (714) 420-8957

🔗 Contact Us at orders@snlcreative.com

Jun 24 2024

SNL Creative Embedded Nanotechnology and Synthetic DNA for Additive Manufacturing Materials and Coating

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

SNL Creative and Iridia Announce Revolutionary Partnership to Enhance Medical Device Traceability; Showcasing at RAPID + TCT Show, Booth #2651

Los Angeles, CA – June 24, 2024 – SNL Creative, a leader in additive manufacturing, and Iridia, a pioneer in embeddable authenticity and traceability solutions, have announced a partnership aimed at revolutionizing the medical device industry. This collaboration promises to deliver unmatched utility, security, and efficiency in medical device production, ensuring enhanced patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Innovative Solutions for a Critical Industry

The partnership between SNL Creative and Iridia combines state-of-the-art technologies to address the pressing needs of the medical device industry. Iridia’s cutting-edge data embedding solutions will be integrated with SNL Creative’s precision 3D printing capabilities, offering unparalleled benefits to manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients.

“Our partnership with Iridia represents a significant leap forward in medical device manufacturing,” said Shawn Zindroski, Founder and COO of SNL Creative. “By merging our precision 3D printing expertise with Iridia’s Embedded Molecular Data technology, we are setting new standards for device authenticity and traceability.”

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Iridia’s Embedded Molecular Data Technology Enables:

Cryptographic Security Coatings: This technology ensures the authenticity and integrity of medical devices by providing each device with a unique, verifiable identity.
Metadata Infusion: Comprehensive metadata, including patient-specific data, can be embedded directly into devices through a durable coating or within device materials.
Embedded Traceability: Devices can include detailed traceability data, allowing for confirmation of origin, destination, and other critical information.

SNL Creative’s Expertise Covers:

Precision 3D Printing: High-quality, precise medical devices and components are produced to exacting standards.
Material Versatility: A wide range of materials suitable for various medical applications are utilized, ensuring the highest safety and efficacy standards.
Custom Finishing: Tailored finishing solutions meet specific medical standards and aesthetic requirements.

Enhancing Patient Safety and Operational Efficiency

This collaboration is set to enhance patient safety by ensuring every medical device is authentic and traceable. Integrating patient-specific data within device materials allows for customized treatments, while robust verification methods prevent counterfeit devices from entering the supply chain. Additionally, streamlined production processes and reduced compliance costs will improve workflow efficiency and profitability for manufacturers.

“The integration of our cryptographic molecular identity technology with SNL Creative’s manufacturing expertise marks a new era in medical device safety and reliability,” said Buck Watia, VP of Product and Corporate Development of Iridia. “Together, we are committed to providing healthcare providers and patients with the highest quality devices.”

Industry Challenges

The medical device industry faces several critical challenges:

Counterfeit Devices:
- 8% of medical devices in circulation are estimated to be counterfeit (World Health Organization).
Device Recalls:
- 3,202 medical device recalls occurred in 2022 (FDA) with Class I recalls (most serious) increasing by 44% from 2003 to 2012.
Patient Safety:
- Medical device-related issues are among the top 10 patient safety concerns (ECRI Institute).

Example Opportunity: A Model for Success

Leading companies can partner with SNL Creative and Iridia to produce a new line of devices. Each device can include cryptographic metadata detailing its manufacturing date, batch number, quality control, and even patient data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing patient safety.

Discover Revolutionary Medical Device Technology at RAPID + TCT Show

Visit SNL Creative at the RAPID + TCT Show, June 25-27, at the LA Convention Center, booth #2651. Discover SNL Creative and Iridia’s groundbreaking Molecular Identity Technology and its impact on medical device traceability and authenticity. Meet our experts, see live demos, and explore our innovative solutions.

About SNL Creative

SNL Creative is a premier provider of additive manufacturing solutions, specializing in precision 3D printing for medical, fashion, footwear, automotive technology, and consumer goods industries. With a commitment to innovation and quality, SNL Creative delivers high-performance products that meet stringent regulatory standards and enhance patient outcomes.

About Iridia

Based in Southern California, Iridia is pioneering molecular technology innovations with two primary focus areas. First, Iridia creates advanced solutions for product authenticity, integrity, and traceability across various industries. Their cutting-edge Molecular Technology embeds unalterable identity and rich metadata directly into products without altering their appearance, leveraging synthetic DNA and nanotechnology to offer cryptographic security. This technology serves sectors from raw materials and luxury retail to aerospace, enhancing product value and consumer trust.

Second, Iridia applies this same molecular technology to address long-term datacenter archival storage challenges. By harnessing the data storage capabilities of synthetic DNA, Iridia offers a revolutionary solution for businesses facing exponential growth in data storage needs.

For more information, please visit: https://snlcreative.com/ https://www.iridia.com/

Contacts:

Shawn Zindroski, Founder and COO, SNL Creative – shawn@snlcreative.com

Buck Watia, VP of Product and Corporate Development, Iridia – info@iridia.com

Jun 13 2024

Exploring Computational Design, AI, and the Future of Fashion and Footwear in 3D Printing with Parametriks

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

SNL Creative would like to welcome Nathan Smith, owner of Parametriks . “Today, we are exploring an extraordinary shift in footwear and fashion design. We are in the midst of not just a Renaissance, but a Revolution, driven by the power of additive manufacturing and computational design.”

Computational design further fuels this revolution, providing designers with sophisticated tools to develop dynamic design systems. These systems can adapt to a multitude of inputs, such as digital foot scans, enabling the creation of hyper-specific and personalized products that move beyond the limitations of traditional sizing and mass production. You can witness Parametrik’s 3d printed designs at Rapid 2024 from June 25-27^th at SNL Creatives booth #2651

SNL How do see additive manufacturing playing a critical role in how we manufacture bespoke footwear

Parametriks: There is a Revolution in footwear design and creation. Additive manufacturing is now giving nearly anyone access to the possibility of quickly and cheaply iterating on design options and even production. Because of this, smaller entities and designers can stand up next to the massive shoemakers of today.

SNL: Can you share how computational design has expanded in Footwear design?

Parametriks: Computational Design further fuels this possibility by giving a designer the tools to create a Design System and not just a one-off. Once a Design System is created, a multitude of input parameters can be endlessly changed, resulting in either completely different designs or designs reacting to hyper-specific inputs.

SNL: What are the key advantages of utilizing digital foot scans over traditional lasts in shoe design and manufacturing?

Parametriks: Digital foot scans will replace the lasts of old allowing for nuances in foot shape and even the ability to tune performance. Utilizing this data as input to the Design System moves thinking past standard sizing and the one-size-fits-all model into something extremely nuanced, not molded for the masses, but printed to foot.

SNL: How do you utilize AI to explore new potentials in fashion design and how AI is integrated into your creative processes

Parametriks: We utilize ai to quickly explore new potentials by referencing our designs in other fashion products. To some degree, we train closed ai models utilizing our design and actively give feedback to not only push the ai model forward, but the design as well. This allows for rapid studies of new products and even the exploration of possible brand partnerships. The next step in 3D printing is using ai to create a printable file based on a prompt or set of references. Current ai models are able to create rudimentary 3D data but the nuances of Class A modeling are on the horizon for ai to replicate. Once this is possible, other methods of fabrication can be utilized to create finessed industrial design products just as we do today.

SNL: In what ways can computational design be integrated with other data inputs to create more efficient and innovative products?

Parametriks :The most exciting thing about the future of computational design is the ability to create hyper-specific designs based on nuanced inputs such as foot scan (shape) and pressure point data as well as designs aimed to improve performance or correct development issues (health). This expands even further when you consider other types of fashion products and industrial design applications.

SNL: How do you see the role of designers evolving as computational models become more prevalent and capable of constant updates

Parametriks :Computational-based designs are infinitely powerful in their ability to accept new forms of data and inputs. To some degree, a computational-based design is never complete, just baked as a marker in time. The beauty of computational models is that they can also be modified, added onto, and made more efficient to an endless degree, thus updating the results infinitely; not just one-off design but a Design System that updates results over time and based on new inputs.

SNL : What an insightful and thought-provoking discussion we’ve had today! We’ve explored the revolutionary impact of 3D printing and computational design on footwear and fashion, delving into the democratization of the design process, the customization capabilities afforded by digital foot scans, and the evolving role of AI in this dynamic landscape. From creating hyper-specific, personalized products to leveraging AI for rapid design iteration, it’s clear that we are on the cusp of a new era in design and manufacturing.

Parametriks : As we move forward, it’s essential to balance innovation with the irreplaceable touch of human creativity, ensuring that technology serves as a tool to enhance rather than replace the designer’s vision. The future holds endless possibilities, and it’s an exciting time to be part of this transformation.

Thanks, Nathan for sharing your expertise and insight into the new workflows that integrate AI and Advanced Computational design. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, embracing the fusion of technology and creativity to shape the future of fashion and footwear design. You can witness Parametrik’s 3d printed designs at Rapid 2024 from June 25-27^th at SNL Creatives booth #2651

Jun 04 2024

SNL Collaborates with 3D Artist – Diego dos Muiños

By shawn Zindroski 3D Printing Modern Art

SNL Creative recently collaborated with Digital Artist Diego dos Muiños to showcase “The Alien” a full-color 3D printed bust. This will be on display at SNL Creative’s Booth #2651 for RAPID2024 in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more and Dive deeper into this collaboration and hear from Diego himself in our exclusive interview.

SNL Creative Collaberation with Diego dos Muinos

SNL: Hello Diego, it is great to catch up with you- SNL is very excited to have collaborated and for you to tell your story around “The Alien” for RAPID 2024. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist?

Diego: Hello, my name is Diego dos Muiños, and I’m an artist from Galicia, Spain. From the beginning of my professional career, I’ve dedicated a lot of time to developing my collections. This type of work is what motivates me daily, and I approach each piece as an opportunity to apply new techniques or learn something new. The alien collection is something I’ve been working on for years, and this particular piece holds special value for me because it was the first design I created for this collection. Years later, I recovered it and updated it, improving the detail and adding armor.

Amazing! you can tell where your passion is based on the breadth of your work. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your “Alien Piece”?

Diego: My designs emerge in two very different ways. In some cases, I start with an initial idea that I think is interesting, and then I develop it. In other cases, I jump straight into modeling and experiment until I find silhouettes and forms that suggest new ideas or ways to continue. In this case, this design emerged from the second approach. The silhouette is very simple, so I tried to pay special attention to the secondary details that arise when trying to give coherence to the silhouette. If it doesn’t have a nose… how does it breathe? If it has such a large head… how does it support it on its shoulders?

SNL: I agree with your artistic process. You want to put yourself into character when sculpting to give it that depth you see in your work. Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through “Alien Piece”?

Diego: My projects (currently) don’t have a significant conceptual background. There are probably certain patterns that repeat in terms of character or personality, and I have more complex projects in development in that sense. For now, my main interest is that they feel alive and coherent in all their elements.

SNL: What tools and software do you use in your creative process?

Diego: As a character artist, I work for video games and film, so the development of my characters generally follows those parameters. I aim to achieve good renders to present my designs. At the same time, not all the programs I use would be necessary for 3D printing. Zbrush, Maya, S.Painter, Marvelous Designer, Unreal Engine, Photoshop.

SNL: How do you approach digital coloring, especially for a complex piece like this?

Diego: This was an interesting process because it was quite complicated to project the color of the final piece back to the model for printing. I was personally interested in seeing the level of detail that these new printers have, especially in color, so I dedicated a lot of time to trying to conserve as much detail as possible from the alien’s textures.

Can you share some of the tools used for digital coloring?

Diego: In this sense mixing different techniques like Substance Painter, Zbrush, and Photoshop.

What were some of the technical or artistic hurdles you encountered during this project?

Diego: As I mentioned before, the color transfer was complicated. Another thing that’s very difficult to handle is preparing the geometry for 3D printing. This is quite technical, but basically, a model thought to be visualized in 3D isn’t prepared to be printed, so you have to clean it up and prepare it, and the more complex the model, the harder that preparation is.

SNL: Finally, how was the experience of collaborating on the “Alien Piece”?

Diego : Collaborating on the “Alien Piece” was a highly rewarding experience. Working with SNL Creative allowed me to see my digital creation come to life in a way that maintained the integrity and detail of my original design. The team’s expertise in high-end color 3D printing was instrumental in achieving a result that was true to my vision. It was exciting to push the boundaries of what is possible in this medium and to see the piece realized with such precision and vibrancy.

Thank you, Diego, for sharing your insights. We love that your are passionate about the process and raising the expectation around Color 3D Printing . Thank you, Diego, for sharing your insights. To witness his work first hand , Visit us at RAPID2024 @ SNL Creative’s booth #2651 from June 25th-27th at Los Angeles Convention Center. See You There!

May 01 2024

SNL Creative showcasing at Rapid-TCT 2024

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

🌟 You’re Invited: Experience the Future of Creativity with SNL Creative at Rapid 2024 in Los Angeles, CA! 🌟

CLICK HERE and Attend as our Guest
Dear SNL Community,

I’m thrilled to extend a special invitation to each of you to join us at Rapid 2024 in Los Angeles, CA—the premier event for all things innovative and transformative in the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

At SNL Creative, we’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology, and Rapid 2024 presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and inspire future collaborations.

Join us at Booth #2651 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where you’ll have the chance to:

🚀 Explore Cutting-Edge Solutions: Immerse yourself in a world of innovation as we unveil our latest advancements in 3D printing technology. From groundbreaking materials to revolutionary applications, prepare to be inspired by the limitless possibilities of additive manufacturing.

🤝 Network with Industry Experts: Connect with fellow professionals, thought leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of manufacturing. Whether you’re seeking insights, partnerships, or simply looking to exchange ideas, Rapid 2024 is the ultimate platform to expand your network and forge meaningful connections.

💡 Gain Insider Insights: Don’t miss our engaging presentations and demonstrations, where our team of experts will share valuable insights, best practices, and real-world case studies. From industry trends to actionable strategies, empower yourself with the knowledge and expertise needed to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced landscape.

🎉 Experience the Future of Creativity: Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and energized as we celebrate the boundless potential of creativity and innovation. From interactive exhibits to hands-on workshops, Rapid 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts, professionals, and curious minds alike.

But wait, there’s more! As a token of our appreciation for your continued support, we’re offering complimentary passes to Rapid 2024 for our valued connections and customers. Simply click the link below when registering online to claim your free admission.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our booth and share our passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, let’s embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and endless creativity at Rapid 2024!

See you in Los Angeles!

Warm regards, SNL Creative

#Rapid2024 #AdditiveManufacturing #Innovation #Creativity #Technology #SNLCreative #EventInvitation #Networking

Feb 07 2024

SNL Creative Named Production Partner for Wilson Airless Gen1

By shawn Zindroski 3d Printing Design Tips

WILSON® ANNOUNCES PLAN TO SELL FIRST-EVER, 3D-PRINTED BASKETBALL

CHICAGO (Feb. 7, 2024) — Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announces the release of the Wilson Airless Gen1^TM – the innovative, first-of-its-kind 3D-printed basketball that never needs to be inflated. Building off the success of the Airless Prototype debut last year, the limited-edition Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball will be available for purchase on Feb. 16.

“We were overwhelmed by the excitement from our Airless Prototype, and we knew it was time to bring t

his rare, first-of-its kind innovation to the world,” said Kevin Murphy, General Manager, Team Sports at Wilson. “Wilson has gone where no brand has gone before with the release of the Airless Gen1 basketball, further inspiring the next generation of sports innovation.”

The Wilson Airless Gen1 has similar functionality to the prototype, however over the last year, the Wilson Labs team has taken the steps to increase performance and streamline the manufacturing process. The basketball nearly fits the performance specifications of a regulation basketball, including its weight, size and rebound (bounce). While the Wilson Airless Gen1 is crafted for play, it is truly a coveted, technology-infused product meant to create and inspire a new community of innovation enthusiasts and basketball hype curators alike.

The main updates to the Wilson Airless Gen1 include:

Improved functionality: Upgraded lattice design for more consistent performance and bounce. T
he ball still includes the same see-through lattice with eight panel-like “lobes.”
Streamlined manufacturing: Holes integrated within the channels to help speed up the manufacturing process, making it faster to create each ball. The basketball remains airless and does not to be inflated.
Enhanced customization: Each ball will have a built-in label for customization and will feature the exact, limited number in which it was produced.
Color variety: In addition to the recognizable jet-black colorway of the prototype, the Airless Gen1 will also be available in brown and natural white.

The Wilson Labs team leveraged the same game-changing process to create the Wilson Gen1 Airless basketball with key partners: General Lattice provided computational design services for elevated customization, DyeMansion provided color and finishing solutions, EOS provided technical oversight and a roadmap for mass production, while SNL Creative was the primary manufacturing hub for this first launch.

Limited units of the Wilson Airless Gen1 will be available exclusively on Wilson.com beginning Friday, Feb. 16 for $2,500. Fans can also experience the product at Wilson’s on-site activation at NBA Crossover in Indianapolis from Feb. 16 – 18. To learn more, please visit Wilson.com and follow along @wilson and @wilsonbasketball.

About: Chicago, USA-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., part of Amer Sports Corporation, is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation, history and heritage across many sports including Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, American Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf.

In Basketball, Wilson is the supplier of Official Game Basketballs for the National Basketball Association® (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association® (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association® (NCAA) for March Madness and the Final Four, Basketball Champions League (BCL), Basketball Africa League (BAL) and FIBA 3×3.